First, the origin and development of Oracle Bone Inscriptions
Oracle Bone Inscriptions is a form of ancient writing in China, which originated from the late Shang Dynasty to the Western Zhou Dynasty (14th century BC to10th century BC). It mainly appears on the surface of tortoise shells and animal bones by carving or carving. These tortoise shell bones are regarded as media and carriers, which record the historical information at that time and are of great significance to understanding ancient society, culture, religion and politics.
Second, tortoise shell-the main carrier of Oracle Bone Inscriptions
1. Characteristics of tortoise shells
Tortoise shell refers to the back shell of a turtle. Because of its hard and regular patterns, it has become an ideal material for carving Oracle Bone Inscriptions. Oracle Bone Inscriptions is mainly used to record information about government affairs, agricultural production, social system and religious ceremonies.
2. The production process of tortoise shell
The process of making tortoise shell writing materials is complicated. First, drive the turtle to a specific place to make it feel scared or angry, and then put it on the fire to barbecue it, so that its shell will be cracked by heat. After the tortoise shell cools, you can carve words.
3. Characteristics of Kikkoman Oracle Bone Inscriptions
The shape of Oracle Bone Inscriptions is mostly a combination of straight lines, arcs and curves, which has certain symbolic characteristics. Because tortoise shells are well preserved, researchers can understand the social culture, religious beliefs and political system at that time through the interpretation of Oracle Bone Inscriptions.
Third, animal bones-the secondary carrier of Oracle Bone Inscriptions
1. Use of animal bones
In addition to tortoise shells, animal bones are also used as the writing carrier of Oracle Bone Inscriptions, mainly the bones of cattle, sheep, horses and other animals. The hardness of animal bones is relatively low, and the manufacturing process is relatively simple. However, due to its fragility, the preserved animal skeleton Oracle Bone Inscriptions is rare.
2. The content of the animal bone Oracle Bone Inscriptions.
Oracle bone inscriptions are mainly used to record important historical events such as sacrificial ceremonies, divination and political activities. Although the number of Oracle Bone Inscriptions with animal bones is small, it still has important reference value for studying ancient society, religious belief and political system.
Fourth, the significance and value of Oracle Bone Inscriptions.
Oracle Bone Inscriptions is an important part of China ancient writing, which records rich historical information and helps us to understand the social structure, political system, religious beliefs, agricultural production, moral concepts and so on in Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Through the study of Oracle Bone Inscriptions, we can deeply explore the development track of ancient civilization in China, which is of great significance to reveal the origin and evolution of human culture.